Maria Anastasios Kostarides

Maria Anastasios Kostarides, 93, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on November 25, 2024. She was born on September 6, 1931, in Steno, Tripolis, Greece to Demetrios and Eleni Geroulis.

As a young girl this courageous 19 yr old took a leap of faith for a better life. She was chosen to be the 1,000th displaced person sponsored by the American Hellenic Education Progressive Association (AHEPA). Her journey to America was quite amazing that began in Sparta, Greece. In ceremonies planned by the AHEPA, she was given a Grecian urn dating back to 600 BC that she filled with the soil from the grave of the Spartan King Leonidas. The urn was to be given to President Truman as a gift from the Greek people to the American people for their war relief effort after WWII. The soil in the urn was placed at the tomb of the unknown soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. 

She left behind her parents, siblings, and village in Greece that was war torn by the ravaging grip of Nazi occupation. There were no expectations of handouts or entitlements. No illegal or unlawful entry into the U.S. Instead, she had a clear understanding that acclimating to a strange new world would be expected so that the hope of achieving tremendous opportunities become obtainable. She learned how to speak, read and write the English language and became a productive, working-class member of society. She adapted the US customs and traditions and eventually became a US citizen all the while holding steadfast to her Greek roots, customs and traditions that she lovingly passed down to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. You did not find anyone more proud and more grateful to have become a US citizen or one who revered the greatness of this country as much as she did. Those who knew her were in awe of this amazing lady, her courage to take this journey alone in the face of uncertainty, to overcome unintended challenges and obstacles, and to successfully transform her sole being in this land of opportunity. 

She married the love of her life, Anastasios Kostarides on June 28, 1953, in Indianapolis, IN. They had two beautiful children and together worked tirelessly in their family restaurant, the Elite Café all the while raising their family. 

She was kind and compassionate who always greeted anyone she met with a warm and loving smile. It was not uncommon to hear her being described as the sweetest person they have ever met. Within the local Greek community, Maria was known for her famous Greek delicacy “diples.” During the early years of the Indianapolis Greek Festival, you would find her working in the church’s kitchen until 2-3am making thousands upon thousands diples to be sold at the festival. Diples were always a staple in her household and readily available for anyone stopping by for a visit or during the holidays. It was not uncommon for others to ask her to make her unforgettable diples for weddings or other events for which she happily accommodated. 

All who knew her, whether it was for a brief moment or lifelong relationships, loved her intently. She will be so missed by so many.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Anastasios (Ernie) Kostarides, brother Spiro Geroulis, sister Georgia Derziotis, and infant niece Eleni Geroulis.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her children: Andy (Peggy) Kostarides and Helen Kostarides; grandchildren: Katie (Grant) Nesbit, and Kristie (Matt) Meer; great-grandchildren: Wyatt and Nora Nesbit and Grayson Meer; sister, Stacey Apostoles; brothers: George Geroulis and Gus (Kathy) Geroulis; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

A visitation will take place on Friday, November 29, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3500 W. 106th Street, Carmel, Indiana. A funeral service will follow visitation at the church at 11:00 a.m. Maria will be laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, or Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church.